EXEGESIS VERSES 1 – 5: - lakeeriebiblechurch.orglakeeriebiblechurch.org/Exegesis/Genesis/word/GENESIS 8.docx · Web viewBut God remembered Noah and all the beasts and all the

Chapter 8

GENESISSCENE 4: THE FLOOD ABATES VSS.1-14

THE ARK SETTLES

EXEGESIS VERSES 1 – 5:

‘hY"x;h;¥-lK' taeÛw> x:nOë-ta, ‘~yhil{a/ rKoÝz>YIw: WTT Genesis 8:1

‘x:Wr’ ~yhiîl{a/ rbe’[]Y:w: hb'_TeB; ATßai rv<ïa] hm'êheB.h;-lK'-ta,w>

`~yIM")h; WKvoßY"w: #r<a'êh'-l[;NAS Genesis 8:1 But God remembered Noah and all the beasts and all the cattle that were

with him in the ark; (w rkz ~yhil{a/ tae x;nO w tae lKo h; hY"x; w tae lKo h; hm'heB. rv,a] tae B h; hb'Te [waw consec. + v/qal/IPF/3ms: zakar; "And He remembered/thought about"; + n/com/m/pl/abs: 'elohim; "God"; + sign of d.o. + proper n: Noah + waw conj. + sign of d.o. + n/com/m/s/constr: kol + d.a. + n/com/f/s/abs: chayyam + waw conj. + sign of d.o. + n/com/m/s/constr: kol + d.a. + n/com/f/s/abs: behemah; "Noah and all of the living things and all of the beasts"; + rel.pro: 'asher + prep. w/3ms suff: 'eth; "which were with him"; + prep: bet + d.a. + n/com/f/s/abs: tebah; "on the ark"])

and God caused a wind to pass over the earth, and the water subsided. (w rb[ ~yhil{a/ x;Wr l[; h; #r,a, w $kv h; ~yIm; [waw consec. + v/Hiphil/IPF/3ms: -abar; "and He caused to pass over"; + n/com/m/pl/abs: 'elohim; "God"; + n/com/b/s/abs: ruach + prep: -al + d.a. + n/com/f/s/abs: 'erets; "a wind {breath} upon the earth"; + waw consec. + v/qal/IPF/3mpl: shakak; "and they abated/receded/subsided"; + d.a. + n/com/m/pl/abs: mayim; "the waters"])

~v,G<ßh; aleîK'YIw: ~yIm"+V'h; tBoßrUa]w:¥ ~AhêT. tnOæy>[.m; ‘Wrk.S'(YIw: WTT Genesis 8:2

`~yIm")V'h;-!miNAS Genesis 8:2 Also the fountains of the deep and the floodgates of the sky were closed,

(w rks !y"[.m; ~AhT. w hB'rua] h; ~yIm;v' [waw consec. + v/Niphal/IPF/3mpl: sakar: "also they were shut up/stopped up/closed up"; +

1Lake Erie Bible ChurchP-T Ken ReedBegin Aug., 2015

Chapter 8

GENESISn/com/m/pl/constr: mayeyan; "the fountains of/springs of"; n/com/b/s/abs: tehom; "the deep"; + waw conj. + n/com/f/pl/constr: 'arubbah; "the windows of {floodgates}"; + d.a. + n/com/m/pl/abs: shamayim; "the heavens"])

and the rain from the sky was restrained; (w alk h; ~v,G< !mi h; ~yIm;v' [waw consec. + v/Niphal/IPF/3ms: kala'; "and it was withheld/refrained/restrained": + d.a. + n/com/m/s/abs: geshem; "the rain"; + prep: min + d.a. + n/com/m/pl/abs: shamayim; "from the heavens"])

Wrås.x.Y:w: bAv+w" %Alåh' #r<a'Þh' l[;îme ~yIM:±h; WbvuóY"w: WTT Genesis 8:3

`~Ay* ta;Þm.W ~yViîmix] hce§q.mi ~yIM;êh;NAS Genesis 8:3 and the water receded steadily from the earth, (w bwv h; ~yIm; !mi l[; h; #r,a, $lh [waw consec. + v/qal/IPF/3mpl: shub; "and they (re)turned {receded}"; + d.a. + n/com/m/pl/abs: mayim; "the waters"; + prep: min + prep: -al; "from above"; d.a. + n/com/f/s/abs: 'erets + v/qal/inf/abs: halak; "the earth, walking {steadily moving}"])

and at the end of one hundred and fifty days the water decreased. (w bwv w rsx h; ~yIm; !mi hc,q' ~yVimix] w ha'me ~Ay [waw conj. + v/qal/inf/abs: shub; "and decreasing"; + waw consec. + v/qal/IPF/3mpl: chasar; "they abated/lacked"; + d.a. + n/com/m/pl/abs: mayim, "the waters"; + prep: min + n/com/m/s/constr: chatseh; "at the end of"; + adj/b/pl/abs: chamishshiym; "fifty"; + waw conj. + adj/f/s/constr: me'ah; "and one hundred"; + n/com/m/s/abs: yom; "days"])

~Ayà rf"ï['-h['b.viB. y[iêybiV.h; vd<xoåB; ‘hb'Teh; xn:T"Üw: WTT Genesis 8:4

`jr"(r"a] yrEîh' l[;Þ vd<xo+l;NAS Genesis 8:4 And in the seventh month, on the seventeenth day of the month, the ark

rested upon the mountains of Ararat. (w xwn h; hb'Te B h; vd,xo h; y[iybiv. B [b;v, rf'[' ~Ay l h; vd,xo l[; rh; jr;r'a] [waw consec. + v/qal/IPF/3fs: nuah; "and it rested"; + d.a. + n/com/f/s/abs: tebah; "the ark"; + prep: bet + d.a. + n/com/m/s/abs: chodesh; "on the month"; + d.a. + shebiy-iy; "the seventh


Chapter 8

GENESISone"; + prep: bet + adj/m/s/abs: shebah; "on the seven"; + adj/m/s/abs: -asar; "ten"; + n/com/m/s/abs: yom; "day"; + prep: lamed + d.a. + n/com/m/s/abs: chodesh; "to the month"; + prep: -al + n/com/m/pl/constr: har + proper n: 'ararat"; "upon the mountains of Ararat"])

yrI+yfi[]h'¥ vd<xoåh; d[;Þ rAsêx'w> %Alåh' ‘Wyh' ~yIM;ªh;w> WTT Genesis 8:5

`~yrI)h'h,¥ yveîar" Waßr>nI vd<xoêl; dx'äa,B. ‘yrIyfi[]B'¥

NAS Genesis 8:5 And the water decreased steadily until the tenth month; (w h; ~yIm; hyh $lh w rsx d[; h; vd,xo h; yrIyfi[] [waw conj. + d.a. + n/com/m/pl/abs: mayim + v/qal/PF/3cpl; hayah; "and the waters became"; + v/qal/inf/abs: halak; "walking {steadily moving}; + waw conj. + v/qal/inf/abs: chasar "and abating/receding"; + prep: -ad + d.a. + n/com/m/s/abs: chodesh; "until the month"; + d.a. + adj/m/s/abs: -ashiyriy; "the tenth one"]) in the tenth month, on the first day of the month, the tops of the mountains became visible.

(B h; yrIyfi[] B dx'a, l h; vd,xo har varo h; rh; [prep: bet + d.a. + adj/m/s/abs: -asiyriy; "on the tenth"; + prep: bet + adj/m/s/abs: 'echad; "on the first"; + prep: lamed + d.a. + n/com/m/s/abs: chodesh; "to the month"; + v/Niph/PF/3cpl: ra'ah; "they were seen/became visible"; + n/com/m/pl/constr: ro'sh; "the heads of/tops of"; + d.a. + n/com/m/pl/abs: har; "the mountains"])

ANALYSIS VERSES 1 – 5:1. Chapter 8 presents the 4th and final scene of the Flood proper ending vs.14.2. The remainder of the chapter revolves around events debarking from the ark.3. Whereas chapter 7 focused on the waters’ triumph over the earth (vs.24), chapter 8 focuses

on its abatement.4. The floodwaters have done their Divine bidding eliminating all of the land bound creatures

outside the ark.5. The attention now turns to the lone survivors, “But God remembered Noah and all the

beasts and all the cattle that were with him on the ark”.6. The hope and future of mankind rests in the hands of God in continuing to intercede on

behalf of the ark’s passengers for their deliverance.7. The verb “remembered/zakar” here has the nuance of “thinking about” rather than the idea

of recall.8. His omniscience always knows all things at all times and His reflection upon the passengers

is language of accommodation.


Chapter 8

GENESIS9. It emphasizes His actions on behalf of those He remembers with perfect timing in accordance

with His plan.10. Such as when He delivered Lot in His remembrance of Abraham (Gen.19:29), giving Rachel

children (Gen.30:22) and bringing Israel out of slavery (Exo.2:24; 6:5).11. We note that God’s concern is not only with Noah, but for the animals as well.12. There is not anyone or anything unaccounted for in God’s economy. Cf.Mat.10:28-3113. In order for the passengers to be delivered, God must overrule the ongoing flood process and

restore the earth for habitation on dry ground.14. His first act is to flex His omnipotence and initiate a weather pattern to counter the tidal

activity as He “caused a wind to pass over the earth, and the water subsided”.15. We are not told how or from where the “wind/ruach” originates, only that God is the

causative agent.16. It is a wind pattern designed to place a counter/down pressure indicated in the phrase “upon

the earth/-al ha ‘erets”.17. The verb “subsided/shakak” is unique to the passage and means to “lessen (Num.17:5),

diminish (Est.2:1; 7:10) or “crouch/lying (Jer.5:26).18. The normal verbs for the water elevation receding is “shub” meaning to “(re)turn

(cf.Gen.8:3,7 {here and there},9,12)” and “chasar” (vs.3) indicating a depleting volume.19. The wind was designed to counter the tidal force of the waves bringing the universal ocean

into a calming state more so than dropping the water level itself.20. The 3 major occurrences directly affecting the water volume are laid out in vs.2, “the

fountains of the deep and the windows (‘arubbah) of the sky were closed, and the rain from the sky was restrained”.

21. Rising water came from two sources: tidal surge and rain.22. Obviously the astral visitor started catapulting out of the range of the earth’s orbit and

gravitational pull terminating the ongoing eruptions from under the sea beds.23. We know that after 40 days (7:12,17) the water vapor canopy had condensed out.24. In addition, any further heavy universal “rain/geshem” (cf.7:12) abated having a new

atmospheric environment producing only isolated rain.25. The passive (Niphal) forms of the verbs “were closed” and “was restrained” indicates a

natural outside source producing the effect.26. Only with the combined events of vss.1b,2 is the water able to steadily recede from the

earth in vs.3a returning to its confined oceanic basins.27. Hence, the reversing effects upon the flood necessary for the ark to find a resting place.28. Again we see the mention of 150 days in vs.3b and that at its “end/chatseh” the flood level

had “decreased/chasar”.29. The chronology of the flood centers around 150 days in both its ascension and abating

scenarios.30. We are then told that the ark came to rest upon the mountains of Ararat in the 7th month,

17th day from the flood’s inception.31. So both halves of the flood presentation fall between the 17 th day, 2nd month and the 17th day,

7th month of the 600th year of Noah’s life (cp.7:11 to 8:4).32. This equates to the 150 day period or 5 months as reckoned by a 30 day Jewish calendar.


Chapter 8

GENESIS33. To the ordinary observer, it may seem that the water triumphed for the entire 150 days, but

in reality they were actually falling well before the period elapsed, or else the ark would not have grounded on 17.7.600.

34. At the peak of the flood, the highest of mountains were covered (cf.7:20) and here the ark comes to rest on mountains.

35. By the 150th day the retreat of the waters was evident.36. The ark no longer had 15 cubits clearance above the high mountain tops.37. The verb “rested/nuah” is clearly a play on words with Noah’s name.38. “On the mountains (plural) of Ararat” does not mean Mt. Ararat (singular), but on a range

or area called Ararat.39. The general region is that now eastern Turkey.40. The receding of the waters being evidenced by the end of the 5 th month then continues its

steady decline until the tenth month or 8th month of the Flood (vs.5).41. On the 1st day of the 10th month (2 1/2months after grounding) then “the mountains became

visible”.42. How is it that the ark is captured by some high outcropping in vs.4 on the 7 th month (17th

day) and it wasn’t until the 1st day of the 10th that mountain “tops/ro’sh” were seen?43. Obviously the mountains in vs.5 were much smaller peaks than the highest mountains of

7:19 and the range where Noah landed were among the highest.44. The passive verb “visible/seen/ra’ah” suggests Noah had a panoramic view from the window

in the ark (vs.6) to lower regions.

THE PATIENCE AND DISCERNMENT OF NOAH


!ALïx;-ta, x:nOë xT;äp.YIw: ~Ay= ~y[iäB'r>a; #QEßmi yhi§y>w:¥ WTT Genesis 8:6

`hf'([' rv<ïa] hb'ÞTeh;NAS Genesis 8:6 Then it came about at the end of forty days, (w hyh !mi #qe ~y[iB'r>a; ~Ay [waw consec. + v/qal/IPF/3ms: hayah + prep: min + n/com/m/s/constr: qets; "and it came to pass at the end of"; + adj/b/pl/abs: 'arebbayim + n/com/m/s/abs: yom; "forty days"])

that Noah opened the window of the ark which he had made; (w xtp x;nO tae !ALx; h; hb'Te rv,a] hf[ [waw consec. + v/qal/IPF/3ms: phatach; "that he opened"; + proper n: Noah; + sign of d.o. + n/com/b/s/constr: challon; "the window of"; + d.a. + n/com/f/s/abs: tebah + rel.pro: 'asher + v/qal/PF/3ms: -asah; "the ark which he had made"])


Chapter 8

GENESIS tv,boïy>-d[; bAvêw" ‘aAcy" aceÛYEw: brE_[oh'¥-ta,

xL;Þv;y>w: WTT Genesis 8:7

`#r<a'(h' l[;îme ~yIM:ßh;NAS Genesis 8:7 and he sent out a raven, and it flew here and there until the water was

dried up from the earth. (w xlv tae h; bre[o w acy acy w bwv d[; vby h; ~yIm; !mi l[; h; #r,a, [waw consec. + v/Piel/IPF/3ms: shalach; "and he sent out" {intensive}; + sign of d.o. + d.a. + n/com/m/s/abs: -oreb; "the raven"; + waw consec. + v/qal/IPF/3ms: yatsa'; "and it went forth"; + v/qal/inf/abs: yatsa'; "going forth"; + waw conj. + v/qal/inf/abs: shub; "and returning" {it flew here and there}; + prep: -ad + v/qal/inf/constr: yabesh; "until drying up"; + d.a. + n/com/m/pl/abs: mayim + prep: min + prep: -al + d.a. + n/com/f/s/abs: 'erets; "the waters from upon the earth"])

l[;Þme ~yIM;êh; WLq:åh] ‘tAar>li AT+aime hn"ßAYh;-ta, xL;îv;y>w: WTT Genesis 8:8

`hm'(d"a]h'¥ ynEïP.NAS Genesis 8:8 Then he sent out a dove from him, (w xlv tae h; hn"Ay !mi tae [waw consec. + v/Piel/IPF/3ms: shalach; "and he sent out"; + sign of d.o. + d.a. + n/com/f/s/abs: yona; "the dove/pigeon"; + prep: min + prep. w/3ms suff: 'eth; "from with him"]) to see if the water was abated from the face of the land; (l har h] llq h; ~yIm; !mi l[; hn<P' h; hm'd'a] [prep: lamed + v/qal/inf/constr: ra'ah; "to see"; + interr. part: ha; "if?"; + v/qal/PF/3cpl: qalal; "slighted/of little account"; + d.a. + n/com/m/pl/abs: mayim + prep: min + prep: -al + n/com/b/pl/constr: paneh + d.a. + n/com/f/s/abs: 'adamah; "the waters from upon the face of the ground"])

‘wyl'ae bv'T'Ûw: Hl'ªg>r:-@k;l. x:An÷m' hn"“AYh; •ha'c.m'-al{)w> WTT Genesis 8:9

h'x,êQ'YIw: ‘Ady" xl;Ûv.YIw: #r<a'_h'-lk' ynEåP.-l[; ~yIm:ß-yKi hb'êTeh;-la,

`hb'(Teh;-la, wyl'Þae Ht'²ao abeîY"w:


Chapter 8

GENESISNAS Genesis 8:9 but the dove found no resting place for the sole of her foot, (w al{ acm h; hn"Ay x;Anm' l @K; lg<r, [waw conj. + neg.part: lo' + v/qal/PF/3fs: matsa'; "but it did not find"; + d.a. + n/com/f/s/abs: yonah; "the dove"; + n/com/m/s/abs: mahocha; "a place to settle/resting place"; + prep: lamed + n/com/f/s/constr: caph; "for the sole of/palm of"; + n/com/f/s/constr. w/3fs suff: regel; "her foot"])

so she returned to him into the ark; (w bwv la, la, h; hb'Te [waw consec. + v/qal/IPF/3fs: shub; "so she returned"; + prep. w/3ms suff: 'el + prep: 'el + d.a. + n/com/f/s/abs: tebah; "to him into the ark"])

for the water was on the surface of all the earth. (yKi ~yIm; l[; hn<P' lKo h; #r,a, [part: kiy + n/com/m/pl/abs: mayim + prep: -al + n/com/b/pl/constr: paneh + n/com/m/s/constr: kol + d.a. + n/com/f/s/abs: 'erets; "because water was upon the face of all of the earth"])

Then he put out his hand and took her, (w xlv dy" w xql [waw consec. + v/qal/IPF/3ms: shalach; "and he put out"; + n/com/f/s/constr. w/3ms suff: yad; "his hand"; + waw consec. + v/qal/IPF/3ms w/3fs suff: lachach; "and fetched/took her"])

and brought her into the ark to himself. (w awb tae la, la, h; hb'Te [waw consec. + v/Hiphil/IPF/3ms: bo' + sign of d.o. w/3fs suff: 'eth + prep. w/3ms suff: 'el + prep: 'el + d.a. + n/com/f/s/abs: tebah; "and he caused to bring her to himself into the ark"])

xL;îv; @s,YO°w: ~yrI+xea] ~ymiÞy" t[;îb.vi dA[ê lx,Y"åw: WTT Genesis 8:10

`hb'(Teh;-!mi hn"ßAYh;-ta,NAS Genesis 8:10 So he waited yet another seven days; (w lyx dA[ ~Ay [b;v, rxea; [waw consec. + v/qal/IPF/3ms: chayal; lit. in anguish/travailed, "he waited with high anticipation"; + prep: -od; "still/yet"; + n/com/m/pl/abs: yom; "days"; + adj/m/s/constr: sheba-; "seven"; + adj/m/pl/abs: 'acher; "another"])

and again he sent out the dove from the ark. (w @sy xlv tae h; hn"Ay !mi h; hb'Te [waw consec. + v/Hiphil/IPF/3ms: yasaph; "and he caused again/caused a repeat"; + v/Piel/inf/constr: shalach; "to send out/sending of"; sign of d.o. + d.a. + n/com/f/s/abs: yonah + prep: min + d.a. + n/com/f/s/abs: tebah; "the dove from the ark"])


Chapter 8

GENESIS @r"åj' tyIz:ß-hle[] hNEïhiw> br<[,ê t[eäl. ‘hn"AYh;

wyl'Ûae abo’T'w: WTT Genesis 8:11

`#r<a'(h' l[;îme ~yIM:ßh; WLq:ï-yKi x:nOë [d:YEåw: h'ypi_B.

NAS Genesis 8:11 And the dove came to him toward evening; (w awb la, h; hn"Ay l t[e br,[, [waw consec. + v/qal/IPF/3fs: bo' + prep. w.3ms suff: 'el +d.a. + n/com/f/s/abs: yonah; "and she came to him, the dove"; + prep: lamed + n/com/b/s/constr: -eth; "towards the time of"; + n/com/m/s/abs: -ereb; "evening"])

and behold, in her beak was a freshly picked olive leaf. (w hNEhi hl,[' tyIz: @r'j' B hP, [waw conj. + interj.part: hineh; "and behold/look!"; + n/com/m/s/constr: -aleh; "a leaf of"; + n/com/m/s/abs: zayith; "an olive tree"; + adj/m/s/abs: taraph; "freshly plucked"; + prep: bet + n/com/m/s/constr. w/3fs suff: peh; "in her mouth/beak"])

So Noah knew that the water was abated from the earth. (w [dy x;nO yKi llq h; ~yIm; !mi l[; h; #r,a, [waw consec. + v/qal/IPF/3ms: yada- + proper n: Noah; "and he knew, Noah"; + conj: kiy; "that"; + v/qal/PF/3cpl: kalal; "it had abated/became of little account"; + d.a. + n/com/m/pl/abs: mayim + prep: min + prep: -al + d.a. + n/com/f/s/abs: 'erets; "the water from upon the earth"])

hn"ëAYh;-ta, ‘xL;v;y>w: ~yrI+xea] ~ymiÞy" t[;îb.vi dA[ê lx,Y"åYIw: WTT Genesis 8:12

`dA[) wyl'Þae-bWv hp'îs.y"-al{)w>NAS Genesis 8:12 Then he waited yet another seven days, and sent out the dove; (w lxy dA[ [b;v, ~Ay rxea; w xlv tae h; hn"Ay [waw consec. + v/Niphal/IPF/3ms: yachal; "the he waited"; + -od; "yet/still" + adj/m/s/constr: sheba- + n/com/m/pl/abs: yom + adj/m/pl/abs: 'acher; "seven days, another"; + v/Piel/IPF/3ms: shalach + sign of d.o. + d.a. + n/com/f/s/abs: yonah; "and he sent out the dove"])

but she did not return to him again. (w al{ @sy bwv la, dA[ [waw conj. + neg. part: lo' + v/Piel/PF/3fs; yasaph; "and she did not again"; + v/qal/inf/constr: shub; "return"; + prep. w/3ms suff: 'el + prep: -od; "to him any more"])


Chapter 8

GENESISANALYSIS VERSES 6 – 12:1. After 224 days (7 months, 14 days; vs.5) or 2 months 14 days after the ark’s landing (vs.4

cf.vs.5), one can imagine the passengers’ readiness to escape their limited and monotonous confines.

2. Seeing the steady abatement of water could only build anticipation.3. While the ark was their salvation, it also was a test.4. Faith-rest, patience and discernment were needed for the long haul.5. Though the flood was abating, Noah did not act impulsive leaving the ark until he was sure

it was safe for all on board to disembark and re-habitation was feasible.6. This would mean the necessity of solid terra firm and a reemerging of plant life for forage.7. 40 days after seeing the lower mountain tops come into view, he “opened the window of the

ark which he had made”.8. The noun “window/challon” is the normal Hebrew term looking to the dual purpose of the

air vent/exhaust (tsehar/noon) he manufactured for the top of the ark per 6:16a.9. While he could view the upper regions around him, his view further below was obviously

limited.10. It order to ascertain the ground conditions further, he utilizes 2 types of birds, a “raven/-

oreb” and a “dove/pigeon/yona”.11. God here reveals the unknown to Noah via birds.12. Noah does what sailors have done for centuries before modern technology; using birds to

find dry land.13. God told him about the corruption on earth, the plan to destroy all living things, the need to

build an ark, who to take on board and the when to embark.14. All direct communication then halted once Noah is locked inside the ark – until the

announcement in 8:15.15. So now Noah must use discernment and patiently explore for any open doors as to when it

was safe to disembark.16. As it is, God will again directly give him the green light and this teaches that God has perfect

timing for deliverance from our tests and providing us with our blessings.17. To discern that timing demands that the believer utilize their present resources to ascertain

available avenues for application/opportunity and then let God’s directive will determine the validity of pursuit or restraint.

18. God will then intercede opening the doors in perfect timing.19. What can’t be missed in these verses is Noah’s diligence of seeking the right application

waiting upon God for ultimate direction.20. Noah sends out the raven one time (vs.7), the dove three times (vss.8,10,12).21. Not until after the 3rd sending of the dove is it clear that the earth is dry.22. Even then, Noah refrains disembarking until God’s will is made certain.23. The verb “sent out/shalach” is used in the intensive Piel form in all 4 occurrences regarding

the raven and dove.24. Noah’s anticipation and hope is captured with each dispatch.25. This in contrast to the qal stem of the same verb to “put out” his hand receiving the dove

back in vs.9.26. The raven is a carrion eater while the dove is a valley bird.


Chapter 8

GENESIS27. The raven flies around in the higher plateaus and mountainous regions until it finds

sufficient dry ground to settle and secure habitat.28. She does not return as there would be plenty of carcasses from the flood for survival and

need for further forage unnecessary.29. The raven’s success becomes obvious and so the dove was then released to determine just

how far the water had abated in the lower-lying areas.30. Her first reconnaissance falls short so she returns to Noah in the ark.31. Noah secures her safely revealing his continued patience and concern for the surviving of

others, even a female bird.32. Noah does not try to force the situation but perseveres in patience.33. He waits another full week and sends her out for a second attempt.34. On this occasion she returns with “a freshly picked olive leaf in her beak”.35. Noah obviously examined the leaf and knew that the water had abated sufficiently in the

lower lying areas to support vegetative growth.36. This meant forage was possible for the animals on the ark.37. But that she returned again toward evening also revealed that forage was not so plentiful

that the dove was inclined to survive on her own.38. She returns to where food is sure.39. Noah waits yet another seven days and sent out the dove one final time.40. 14 days have now passed since the initial dispatch of the birds.41. The vegetation had become sufficiently plentiful with the passing week to provide enough

food for the dove to maintain her freedom.42. This gives the reader sense as to the speed of the ground drying out within the final days.43. Nothing further is said about water with the dove’s final trip indicating dry enough ground to

provide not only food, but a habitat for the bird.44. 54 days (40, vs.8 + 2 x 7 vss.10,12) have passed since 10.1.600 of vs.5 or 9 months 7 days

since the beginning of the flood (7:11).45. That Noah was 2.17.600 old at the beginning of the flood means that he spent his 601 st

birthday on the ark some 10 months 13 days into the flood.46. The date for marking the dove not returning puts Noah at 10.24.600 years old.47. As an aside, it is gratifying to common sense to note that Noah sent out 2 female birds.48. He obviously understood the natural order for creation that the male is designed to pursue

and find their right counterpart female.49. This habit was essential in that the raven was an unclean bird (Lev.11:4) and only 1 pair

survived and the dove mates for life.


Chapter 8

GENESISCHRONOLOGICAL HIGHPOINTS FOR DISEMBARKING


dx'äa,B. ‘!AvarIB'¥ hn"©v' tAaøme-vvew> tx;’a;B. yhiy>w:û¥ WTT Genesis 8:13

hb'êTeh; hseäk.mi-ta, ‘x:nO’ rs;Y"Üw: #r<a'_h' l[;äme ~yIM:ßh; Wbïr>x") vd<xoêl;

`hm'(d"a]h'¥ ynEïP. Wbßr>x'¥ hNEïhiw> ar>Y:¨w:NAS Genesis 8:13 Now it came about in the six hundred and first year, in the first month, on

the first of the month, the water was dried up from the earth. (w hyh B dx;a, w vve ha'me hn"v' B h; !AvarI B dx'a, l h; vd,xo brx h; ~yIm; !mi l[; h; #r,a, [waw consec. + v/qal/IPF/3ms: hayah; "and it came to pass"; + prep: bet + adj/f/s/constr: 'eshad; "in the first"; + waw conj. + adj/f/s/constr: shesh; "and six of"; + adj/f/pl/abs: me'ah; "one hundred"; + n/com/f/s/abs: shanah; "year"; + prep: bet + d.a. + adj/m/s/abs: ri'shon; "in the first/chief/head {month}; + prep: bet + adj/m/s/abs: 'echad; "on the first"; + prep: lamed + d.a. + chodesh; "to the month"; + v/qal/PF/3cpl: charab; "they dried up"; + d.a. + n/com/m/pl/abs: mayim + prep: min + prep: -al + d.a. + n.com/f/s/abs: 'erets; "the waters from upon the earth"])Then Noah removed the covering of the ark, and looked, and behold, the surface of the

ground was dried up. (w rws x;nO tae hs,k.mi h; hb'Te w har w hNEhi brx hn<P' h; hm'd'a] [waw consec. + v/Hiphil/IPF/3ms; sarah; "and he turned aside/removed"; + proper n: Noah; + sign of d.o. + n/com/m/s/constr: mikeseh; "the covering of"; + d.a. + n/com/f/s/abs: tebah; "the ark"; + waw consec. + v/qal/IPF/3ms: ra'ah + waw conj. + interr.par: higgeh; "and he looked and behold!"; + v/qal/PF/3cpl: charab; "it had dried up"; + n/com/b/pl/constr: paneh + d.a. + n/com/f/s/abs: 'adamah; "the face {surface} of the ground"])

hv'Þb.y" vd<xo+l; ~Ayà ~yrI±f.[,w> h['ób.viB. ynIëVeh; ‘vd<xo’b;W WTT Genesis 8:14

s `#r<a'(h'


Chapter 8

GENESISNAS Genesis 8:14 And in the second month, on the twenty-seventh day of the month, the

earth was dry. (w B h; vd,xo h; ynIve B [b;v, w ~yrIf.[, ~Ay l h; vd,xo vby h; #r,a, s [waw conj. + prep: bet + d.a. + n/com/m/s/abs: chodesh; "and on the month"; + d.a. + adj/m/s/abs: sheniy; "the second one"; + prep: bet + adj/f/s/abs: sheba-; "the seventh"; + waw conj. + adj/b/pl/abs: -eseriym; "and twenty"; + n/com/m/s/abs: yom; "day"; + prep: lamed + d.a. + n/com/m/s/abs: chodesh; "to the month"; + v/qal/PF/3fs: yabash; "it had completely dried/withered"; + d.a. + n/com/f/s/abs: 'erets; "the earth"; end of para: selah])

ANALYSIS VERSES 13 – 14:1. Vss.13-14 may seem redundant and even contradictive in the English translation and less

than studious reader.2. Both verses observe that the earth was dry and on different dates.3. However, in the Hebrew each verse uses a different verb for “dried up/charab” (vs.13; 2x)

and “dry/yabash” (vs.14).4. The first is the cognate of the noun “chereb” that means “sword” as used in 3:24 (cp.27:40;

31:26; 34:25; et al).5. It has the nuance of water separating from the earth/ground/’erets/’adamah”.6. Yet, the ground remains wet, muddy or soggy.7. This verb emphasizes the process of evaporating moisture rather than its complete absence

(cf.Gen.31:40, “heat consumed me dry”).8. The second verb “yabash” means to be absolutely dry.9. It is the cognate of the noun “yabesh”, which is used of the appearance of Pangea (dry land)

in Gen.1:9.10. So vs.13 focuses on the flood condition when the waters had all abated into their settled

basins (oceans, lakes, rivers, ponds, etc.), yet the remaining ground was still water logged.11. Vs.14 then observes the earth after the water had completely evaporated and the remaining

ground was in the condition that one could walk on it without moisture on their feet (cp. Cognate “yabesh” in Exo.14:16,21,22,29; 15:19).

12. We are then given 2 chronological notations concerning each stage of dryness.13. The notations advance the narrative 37-93 days since the dove did not return in vs.12.14. Vs.13 highlights 1.1.601 of Noah’s life.15. This encompasses exactly one full year since Noah’s 600 th birthday referenced as the year of

the flood back in 7:2.16. It is on this date that “Then Noah removed the covering of the ark, and looked, and

behold, the surface had reappeared as ground”, though still very wet and soggy.17. One full year Noah and company remained cooped up in the ark with no egress.18. The “covering of the ark/mikeseh ha tebah” obviously looks to the door that Yahweh had

sealed on the passengers behalf (cf.7:16).19. The sight of flood waters gone even in the valleys must have been most exhilarating.20. Yet, the ground still was not conducive to habitation and travel.21. That chronological footnote is advanced in vs.14 some 56 more days post vs.13.


Chapter 8

GENESIS22. On 2.27.601, all surface ground water had evaporated enough to make departure from the

ark feasible for all its passengers.23. The chronological significance indicates the full time that the ark’s occupants remained

resident aboard the ark.24. This being one year and 11 days (cf.2nd month, 17th day of the 600th year; 7:11) since the

flood began.25. The 12 months 11 days equates to the exact period of 12 lunar months (354 days) with the

solar year of 365 days.26. So the entire occupancy of the ark lasted one solar year.27. Patience, patience, patience, and ultimate deliverance for Noah and company.28. Review the Doctrine of Patience.29. Review the Doctrine of Testing.

THE DISEMBARKING

EXEGESIS VERSES 15 – 19

`rmo*ale x:nOð-la, ~yhiÞl{a/ rBEïd:y>w: WTT Genesis 8:15

NAS Genesis 8:15 Then God spoke to Noah, saying, (w rbd ~yhil{a/ la, x;nO rma [waw consec. + v/Piel/IPF/3ms: dabar; "and He spoke"; + n/com/m/pl/abs: 'elohim + prep: 'el + proper n: Noah + prep: lamed + v/qal/inf/constr: 'amar; "God, to Noah, saying"])

`%T")ai ^yn<ßb'-yve(n>W ^yn<ïb'W ^±T.v.aiw> hT'§a; hb'_Teh;-!mi aceÞ WTT Genesis 8:16

NAS Genesis 8:16 "Go out of the ark, you and your wife and your sons and your sons' wives

with you. (acy !mi h; hb'Te hT'a; w hV'ai w !Be w hV'ai !Be tae [v/qal/imp/m/s: yatsa'; "go out"; + prep: min + d.a. + n/com/f/s/abs: tebah; "from the ark"; + pro: 'attah; "yourself"; + waw conj. + n/com/f/s/constr. w/2ms suff: 'ishah; "and your wife"; + waw conj. + n/com/m/pl/constr. w/2ms suff: ben; "and your sons"; + waw conj. + n/com/f/pl/constr: 'ishah + n/com/m/pl/constr. w/2ms suff: ben; "and the wives of your sons"; + prep. w/2ms suff: 'eth; "with you"])

hm'²heB.b;W @A[ôB' rf'ªB'-lK'mi ^øT.ai-rv<)a] hY"“x;h;-lK' WTT Genesis 8:17


Chapter 8

GENESIS Wcår>v'¥w> %T"+ai Îaceäy>h;Ð ¿aceAhÀ

#r<a'Þh'-l[; fmeîroh' fm,r<²h'-lk'b.W`#r<a'(h'-l[; Wbßr"w> Wrïp'W #r<a'êb'

NAS Genesis 8:17 Corrected: "Of every living thing of all flesh that is with you, (lKo h; hY"x; rv,a] tae !mi lKo rf'B' [n/com/m/s/constr: kol + d.a. + n/com/f/s/abs: chayyah; "of every living thing"; + rel.pro: 'asher + prep. w/2ms suff: 'eth; "which is with you"; + prep: min + n/com/m/s/constr: kol + n/com/m/s/abs: bashar; "from all flesh"]) birds and animals and every creeping thing that creeps on the earth bring out with you,

(B h; @A[ w B h; hm'heB. w B lKo h; fm,r, h; fmr l[; h; #r,a, acy (acy) tae [prep: bet + d.a. + n/com/m/s/abs: -oph; "among the birds"; + waw conj. + prep: bet + d.a. + n/com/f/s/abs: behemah; "and among the beasts"; + waw conj. + prep: bet + n/com/m/s/constr: kol + d.a. + n/com/m/s/abs: remesh + d.a. + v/qal/Ptc/m/s/abs: ramash; "and among all of the crawlers, crawling"; + prep: -al + d.a. + n/com/f/s/abs: 'erets; "upon the earth"; + v/Hiphil/imp/m/s: yatsa'; "cause to bring out" {2nd "yatsa" not translated as it is textually in question}; + prep. w/2ms suff: 'eth; "with you"]) that they may breed abundantly on the earth, and be fruitful and multiply on the earth."

(w #rv B h; #r,a, w hrp w hbr l[; h; #r,a, [waw consec. + v/qal/PF/3cpl: sharats; "so they will swarm/may breed abundantly", same as 1:20,21; 7:21; + prep: bet + d.a. + n/com/f/s/abs: 'erets; "upon the earth"; + waw consec. + v/qal/PF/3cpl: parah; "and they will bear fruit/will be fruitful"; + waw consec. + v/qal/PF/3cpl: rabah; "and become many/multiply"; + prep: -al + d.a. + n/com/f/s/abs: 'erets; "upon the earth"])

`AT*ai wyn"ßb'-yve(n>W ATïv.aiw> wyn"±b'W x:nO=-aceYEßw: WTT Genesis 8:18

NAS Genesis 8:18 So Noah went out, and his sons and his wife and his sons' wives with him.

(w acy x;nO w !Be w hV'ai w hV'ai !Be tae [waw consec. + v/qal/IPF/3ms: yatsa' + proper n: noah; "and he went out, Noah"; + waw conj. + n/com/m/pl/constr. w/3ms suff: ben; "and his sons"; + waw conj. + n/com/f/s/constr. w/3ms suff: 'ishah; "and his wife"; + waw conj. + n/com/f/pl/constr: 'ishah + n/com/m/pl/constr. w/3ms suff: ben; "and the wives of his sons"; + prep. w/3ms suff: 'eth; "with him"])


Chapter 8

GENESISfmeäAr lKoß @A[êh'-lk'w> ‘fm,r<’h'-lK' hY"©x;h;¥-

lK' WTT Genesis 8:19

`hb'(Teh;-!mi Waßc.y" ~h,êytexoåP.v.mil. #r<a'_h'-l[;

NAS Genesis 8:19 Every beast, every creeping thing, and every bird, everything that moves

on the earth, (lKo h; hY"x; lKo h; fm,r, w lKo h; @A[ lKo fmr l[; h; #r,a, [n/com/m/s/constr: kol + d.a. + n/com/f/s/abs: chayyah; "every living thing"; + n/com/m/s/constr: kol + da. + n/com/m/s/abs: remesh; "every crawling thing"; + waw conj. + n/com/m/s/constr: kol + d.a. + n/com/m/s/abs: -oph; "and every bird"; + n/com/m/s/abs: kol + v/qal/Ptc/m/s/abs: ramash; "every moving thing"; + prep: -al + d.a. + n/com/f/s/abs: 'erets; "upon the earth"])

went out by their families from the ark. (l hx'P'v.mi acy !mi h; hb'Te [prep: lamed + n/com/f/pl/constr. w/3mpl suff: mishepachah; "according to their families/clans"; + v/qal/PF/3cpl: yatsa'; "they went out"; + prep: min + d.a. + n/com/f/s/abs: tebah; "from the ark"])

ANALYSIS VERSES 15 – 19:1. The result of Noah’s patience is God interceding on his behalf manifesting His will clearly

and without question.2. During the interim period of being on the ark, Noah was exercising discernment implying

that God would ultimately intervene providing a clear read of when to leave the vessel.3. If this be not the case, then why didn’t he leave knowing that the ground was dry (vs.14)?4. The answer points to the Ph2 +V he possessed in that he subordinates his own inquiry,

however effective, to the directive will of God.5. In this case it meant a direct twix from God resuming direct verbal communication not

received since boarding the ark.6. God does not leave the faithful hanging in the dark.7. He provides BD and the necessary logistics to handle our tests from beginning to end.8. For those willing to place BD as their authority they will experience the satisfaction of

knowing that God’s directive will has been accomplished in their Ph2.9. God now tells Noah to leave the ark.10. The passenger list here is closest to 7:7-14 in boarding the ark.11. Now the list looks to God concluding the intentions behind the plan i.e., their deliverance.12. While the animals were on board to preserve life on earth, now Noah is told that these

creatures are to be sent out to “breed abundantly on the earth, and be fruitful and multiply”.


Chapter 8

GENESIS13. The expansion of these species into many from just two ( or seven pairs) of each kind was

under the providence of God.14. God is greater than the precarious situation facing these animals as they made their way in a

new world.15. The verb “breed abundantly/sharats” is the same verb for “teeming” of aquatic life

(1:20,21) and “swarming” insects, etc. (7:21).16. The phrase “be fruitful and multiply/parah waw rabah” is also used with respect to fish and

birds in 1:22 as well as humanity in 1:28 and 9:1,7.17. This signifies the start of a new creation in the post-flood era that extends to our very time

and forward.18. A new world is born from the watery grave of the antediluvian era that is the post-diluvian

civilization.19. The order of exit is first the “birds/-oph”, then “animals/beasts/behemah” and “creeping

things that creeps/remesh ha ramash”.20. Birds were the last group to board (cf.7:14).21. They are portrayed as leaving in an orderly fashion in large groups of similar types or “by

their families/clans/lamed mishepechah”.22. The mishepechah was a subcategory of a tribe, the family being the basic unit.23. Clans are extended families.24. The animals left the ark under the same hidden hand that brought them to and on board the

ark and enabled them to behave while on the ark.25. Around each other they acted like millennial animals (cf.Isa.11:6-9).


Chapter 8

GENESISNOAH’S OFFERING AND YAHWEH’S RESPONSE


hm'äheB.h; ŸlKoåmi xQ;úYIw: hw"+hyl;¥ x;BeÞz>mi x:nO° !b,YIïw: WTT Genesis 8:20

`x;Be(z>MiB; tl{ß[o l[;Y:ïw: rhoêJ'h; @A[åh' ‘lKomiW hr"ªAhJ.h;

NAS Genesis 8:20 Then Noah built an altar to the LORD, (w hnb x;nO x;Bez>mi l hwhy [waw consec. + v/qal/IPF/3ms: banah; "and he built/fashioned" {same as 2:22; 4:17}; + proper n: Noah; + n/com/m/s/abs: mizebbecha; "an altar"; + prep: lamed + proper n: Yahweh; "to the Lord"]) and took of every clean animal and of every clean bird and offered burnt offerings on the

altar. (w xql !mi lKo h; hm'heB. h; rAhj' w !mi lKo h; @A[ h; rAhj' w hl[ hl'[o B h; x;Bez>mi [waw consec. + v/qal/IPF/3ms: lachach; "and he took"; + prep: min + n/com/m/s/constr: kol + d.a. + n/com/f/s/abs: behemah; "from every beast"; + d.a. + adj/f/s/abs: tahor; "the clean one"; + waw conj. + prep: min + n/com/m/s/constr: kol + d.a. + n/com/m/s/abs: -oph + d.a. + adj/m/s/abs: tahor; "and from every bird, the clean one"; + waw consec. + v/Hiphil/IPF/3ms: -alah; "and offered burnt"; + n/com/f/pl/abs: -olah; "whole offerings"; + prep: bet + d.a. + n/com/m/s/abs: mizebbecha; "on the altar"])

hw"÷hy> rm,aYO“w: èx:xoyNIh; x:yrEä-ta, éhw"hy> xr;Y"åw: WTT Genesis 8:21

yKiû ~d"êa'h'¥ rWbå[]B; ‘hm'd"a]h'(-ta, dA[Ü lLe’q;l. @siaoû-al{) ABªli-la,

yx;Þ-lK'-ta, tAKïh;l. dA[± @sIïao-al{)w> wyr"_[uN>mi [r:Þ ~d"²a'h' bleó rc,yEå

`ytiyfi([' rv<ïa]K;¥NAS Genesis 8:21 And the LORD smelled the soothing aroma; (w xwr hwhy tae x;yre h; x;AxynI [waw consec. + v/Hiphil/IPF/3ms: riyach; "and He


Chapter 8

GENESIScaused to smell"; + proper n: yahweh; "the Lord"; + sign of d.o. + n/com/m/s/constr: reyach; "the aroma/the scent/fragrance"; + d.a. + n/com/m/s/abs: niychoach; "soothing/quieting"]) and the LORD said to Himself, "I will never again curse the ground on account of man,

(w rma hwhy la, ble al{ @sy l llq dA[ tae h; hm'd'a] B rWb[] h; ~d'a' [waw consec. + v/qal/IPF/3ms: 'amar + proper n: yahweh; "and He said, the Lord"; + prep: 'el + n/com/m/s/constr. w/3ms suff: leb; "to His heart"; + neg. part: lo' + v/Hiphil/IPF/1coms: yasaph; "I will not do again"; + prep: lamed + v/Piel/inf/constr: qalal; "curse"; + prep: -od; "still/in contuance"; + sign of d.o. + d.a. + n/com/f/s/abs: 'adamah; "the ground"; + prep: bet + prep: -abur; "on account of"; + d.a. + n/com/m/s/abs: 'adam; "man"])

for the intent of man's heart is evil from his youth; (yKi rc,yE ble h; ~d'a' [r; !mi ~yrIW[n> [conj: kiy; "because/for"; + n/com/m/s/constr: yetser; "the intent/form of"; + n/com/m/s/constr: leb + d.a. + n/com/m/s/abs: 'adam; "the heart of man"; + adj/m/s/abs: ra-; "is evil"; + prep: min + n/com/m/pl/constr. w/3ms suff: ne-uriym; "from his youth/early life"])

and I will never again destroy every living thing, as I have done. (w al{ @sy dA[ l hkn tae lKo yx; K rv,a] hf[ [waw conj. + neg.part: lo' + v/Hiphil/1coms: yasaph; "and I will not cause to do again"; + prep: -od; "still"; + prep: lamed + v/Hiphil/inf/constr: nakah; cause destroying/striking"; + sign of d.o. + n/com/m/s/constr: kol + adj/m/s/abs: chay; "every living thing"; + prep: kaph; "like"; + rel.pro: 'asher; "which"; + v/qal/PF/1cs: -asah; "I have done"])

#yIq:ôw> ~xoøw" rqo’w> ryciq'w>û [r:z<³ #r<a'_h' ymeäy>-lK' d[oß WTT Genesis 8:22

`WtBo)v.yI al{ï hl'y>l:ßw" ~Ayðw> @r<xo±w"NAS Genesis 8:22 "While the earth remains, Seedtime and harvest, And cold and heat, And

summer and winter, And day and night Shall not cease." (dA[ lKo ~Ay h; #r,a, [r;z< w ryciq' w rqo w ~xo w #yIq; w @r,xo w ~Ay w hl'y>l; al{ tbv [prep: -od + n/com/m/s/constr: kol + n/com/m/pl/constr: yom + d.a. + n/com/f/s/abs: 'erets; "While all of the days of the earth"; " n/com/m/s/abs: zera-; "seed"; + waw conj. + n/com/m/s/abs: qatsiyr; "and harvest"; + waw conj. + n/com/m/s/abs: qor; "and cold"; + waw conj. + n/com/m/s/abs: chom; "and heat/hot"; +


Chapter 8

GENESISwaw conj. + n/com/m/s/abs: qayits; "and summer"; + waw conj. + n/com/m/s/abs: choreph; "and autumn/winter"; + waw conj. + n/com/m/s/abs: yom; "and day"; + waw conj. + n/com/m/s/abs: layelah; "and night"; + neg.part: lo' + v/qal/IPF/3mpl: shabath; "they will not cease"])

ANALYSIS VERSES 20 – 22:1. Vss.20-22 sets the foundation for the Divine promise in 9:1-17 (Noahic Covenant).2. It centers on the very first notable act performed by Noah after the ark was vacated, “Then

Noah built an altar to the Lord”.3. Vs.20 records the first building of an “altar/mizebbecha” in Scripture though one is

presupposed in 4:3-5.4. It also records the first mention of a specific category of sacrificial offering i.e., whole burnt

offerings/-olah.5. The corresponding verb “offered/-alah” means “to ascend/go up” and here points to the

smoke that arises while the sacrifice is cooking.6. In it the entire animal was slaughtered and placed on an altar with fire consuming the carcass

until it was reduced to ashes; hence, burnt offering (cf.Exo.29:18).7. The burnt offering is the most common and basic of the offerings prescribed under the Law.8. The procedure for offering this sacrifice is described in Lev.1.9. The offering was designed to teach that aspect of Ph1 salvation that is termed propitiation.10. The animals used and as noted in Noah’s sacrifice were from the clean/tahor animals and

birds.11. For definitions of clean animals see Lev.11 and Deu.14.12. God’s insistence that Noah take on board 7 pairs of clean animals and birds (7:2-3) now

becomes obvious as to why.13. Noah took/lachach one each from the flock, herd and fowl.14. So the first notable act by Noah after the flood was to acknowledge the need for salvation

and in thankfulness offered burnt offerings to Yahweh for the grace provided in that vein.15. Noah worships God in a way that honored the truth.16. As the smoke of Noah’s elaborate offering (even more so by the relative scarcity of available

animals) ascended heavenward an unexpected Divine response takes place.17. “Yahweh smelled the soothing aroma” is language of accommodation indicating God was

pleased with Noah’s ritualistic endeavor and was accepting of it as valid in all respects.18. This is the only place where God is said to have “smelled/riyach” a sacrifice.19. Lev.26:31 (cp.Amos 5:22) declares that God will not “smell/accept” the offerings of the

disobedient.20. The descriptive “soothing aroma/niychoach reyach” is common for the smell produced by

burning sacrifices (Lev.1:9,13,17; 3:5,16, etc.).21. Israel in reversionism offered soothing aroma to false gods. Cp.Eze.6:13; 16:1922. The sacrifices have a pacifying effect on Deity indicating lack of agitation or wrath.23. God’s anger over human sin that led to the near destruction of the human race is pacified

when the leading member of the human race offers sacrifice on behalf of the surviving human race (7 souls).

24. The term “niychoach/soothing” is a pun on Noah’s name “Noach”.19

Lake Erie Bible ChurchP-T Ken ReedBegin Aug., 2015

Chapter 8

GENESIS25. We might translate the phrase “Yahweh smelt the Noahic sacrifice”.26. Lamech names his son Noah because he hoped he would bring him rest from the toil of his

hands (cp.5:29).27. With the acceptance of Noah’s sacrifices we again see Divine deliberation “and the Lord

said to Himself”.28. He does not make this pronouncement to Noah.29. The prepositional phrase “to Himself” is literally in the Hebrew “to His heart/’el leb”.30. Just as in Gen.6:6 the language “to His heart” is anthropopathic whereas the heart is

metaphorical for His essence with emphasis on His Sovereignty regulated by +R.31. It was His +R that demanded the judgment of the Flood (cf.6:6-7).32. So God is here pictured talking to His Divine will addressing the issue of +R and its

condemning effects upon an unrighteous creation.33. In this case an abatement of wrath experientially and on a universal scale.34. The words “I will never again curse the ground on account of man” does not refer to the

Edenic curse since things like pain in childbearing and sweating to earn a living persists (Gen.3:14-19).

35. It refers to a universal destruction of land animals and man via massive flooding as vs.21d makes clear “and I will never again destroy every living thing, as I have done”.

36. The cause and effect of His decision is two-fold, Noah’s sacrifices and the fact that “the intent of man’s heart is evil from his youth”.

37. “Man’s heart/leb ha ‘adam” is metaphorical for the intentions of his human will.38. “From his youth/min ne-uriym” emphasizes the age of accountability forward

(cf.Rom.1:18ff).39. The reason for “evil/ra-“ is due to the domination of the indwelling STA.40. The simple fact is human nature will not change even in the face of almost extinction.41. Yet, +V will avail themselves of God’s grace in salvation in spite of the dominating evil of

man as recognized in the Noahic sacrifice.42. So God’s determination is that grace will prevail over judgment on a universal plane and

experientially for the remainder of present history.43. He will never again wipe out living creation to such extent.44. This grace is granted to humanity because Noah did what he did.45. Job offered sacrifice for his children and his “friends”. Job 1:5; 42:846. His friends were spared because Job offered up a rebound offering.47. In OT times when men sinned they offered sacrifice to abate the wrath of God.48. In this way, undeserved mercy is provided for men, especially to the benefit of +V, under

grace.49. Here the soil is spared and all that lives upon it from world-wide death via flooding.50. God lifts any future threat on ever bringing an universal flood upon the earth as in the days of

Noah.51. So like Moses, Noah acted as a mediator to lessen the deserved wrath of sinners.52. Whether by prayer or sacrifice mercy is shown to the guilty.53. The mediator’s right response to God opens the mercy gate.54. This despite the fact that human nature remains corrupt.55. God know that man will not take the lesson of the flood to heart and behave himself on the

soil.


Chapter 8

GENESIS56. God had no allusions about post-flood humanity and the course of human affairs has borne

out His assessment of humankind.57. The promise is further amplified in vs.22 as not ceasing “while the earth remains, Seedtime

(spring) and harvest (fall), And cold and heat, And summer and winter, And day and night…”

58. Before for Flood seasons were essentially non-existent.59. Seasonal phenomena characterizes the post-flood era.60. Man otherwise could plant a crop anytime within the solar year and turn right around and

plant a second crop not being impeded by climatic change.61. Mankind before the Flood did not experience rain and snow and extreme cold and heat.62. He lived under the water vapor canopy that was now no more.63. Early post-diluvian man experienced his first rain showers that did not bring destruction and

ruin.64. The pairs in vs.22 refer to the diurnal and seasonal rhythms of nature on which all life

depends.65. God’s assurance that these rhythms will be maintained is a mark of His continuing

providential care upon the world.66. God’s personal thoughts on the matter provide the reader with an understanding as to why He

would not act in the same fashion as He did when He sent the great Flood.67. Acceptance of grace (cause) abates judgment (effect).68. Man is just as corrupt and given time and opportunity would do just as his ancient ancestors

did.69. The only difference is in the event of the demonic infiltration seeking to wipe out true

humanity as additional cause for the Flood.70. With these demons incarcerated and God thwarting any future attempts, the fate of the

human race lies in man alone and God’s mercy.71. While Gen.9:1-17 gives no explanation for the Divine change of heart, Gen.8:20-22 explains

that change.72. Because of the +V and obedience of one man, God will never again bring a universal

judgment like the Flood.73. Actions of the righteous can accomplish much before God. Cp.Jam.5:1674. God’s change of heart here is silently expressed but will become public via the Noahic

Covenant.75. For mankind, the slate is wiped clean; man is given a fresh start.76. However irregular the human heart will be (vs.21c) there will be regularity in the natural

world.77. Review the Doctrine of Mercy.


EXEGESIS VERSES 1 – 5: - lakeeriebiblechurch.orglakeeriebiblechurch.org/Exegesis/Genesis/word/GENESIS 8.docx · Web viewBut God remembered Noah and all the beasts and all the

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